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| Hon. Oluwole Oke in Osun, resigns from PDP after six terms in the House of Representatives. |
Lawmaker Oluwole Oke resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party on April 23, 2025. He represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State. He sent a letter to the PDP chairman in Ward 7, Obokun LGA.
His letter was dated April 16, 2025 and directed to the local PDP chair. He asked that his exit take effect immediately and in good faith. He said he made this choice after talks with colleagues, family and friends. He copied the party’s national, state and local leaders on the letter. He did not say which party he will join next.
Oke has served six terms in the House since 1999. He chairs the Public Accounts Committee in the current assembly. He also led the Defence Committee in past House terms. His legislative interests include education, procurement and economic policy.
In 1988, he earned a National Certificate in Business Studies from Polytechnic Ibadan. He then studied economics at the University of Abuja, graduating in 1999. He earned an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University in 2004. He later obtained a master’s degree from the University of London.
Before politics, he ran an international tax practice and a logistics firm. He also founded a private school in Osun State. He is known for pushing probes on government spending and bills.
This move follows a string of defections in the Osun PDP. Many leaders left over claims of broken promises and lack of inclusion. Oke had clashed with state leaders over neglect of Ijesa North. That dispute had split his local ward.
Political analysts say this exit may weaken the PDP ahead of 2026 polls. Experts note voters could view this as a sign of deep crisis. Some fear the party could lose its hold on Obokun/Oriade.
The PDP Board of Trustees chairman said they will act to stem mass exits. The national party urged members to stay and work for unity. No senior PDP official has yet commented on Oke’s letter.
Under Nigerian law, a lawmaker keeps their seat after leaving a party. He will sit as an independent member until his term ends. No by-election is needed for a party exit alone.
This shift could change committee balances and local ties in Abuja. Independent members often lose party support for key roles. Observers say Oke may use his new status to shape policy.
He urged his loyalists to leave the PDP and await his next direction. That call hints at a planned move to another party. Last year, many senior PDP figures in Osun joined the APC. Those exits cost the party key local and national seats. Some insiders say Oke may follow that path.
The change raises questions on his future in Osun politics. Will he aim for the senate or a state office? How will this affect grassroots projects and local voices? His exit will spark debate on party loyalty and local needs.
As residents of Obokun/Oriade await word from Oke, many weigh in on social media. Some praise his courage and call for better leadership. Others worry about a split vote in the next election.
For the PDP, this loss adds to a tough year in Osun politics. Party leaders must rebuild trust or risk further defections. The coming months will show if this exit reshapes the political map in the state.
What comes next for Obokun/Oriade and the PDP? The answer will shape the road to 2026.